Want to explore accepting SNAP benefits at a farmers market, but don’t know how to get started?

If so, than the Supporting farmers markets in accepting SNAP benefits publication is for you!

This free 32-page online guide will walk you through all the steps necessary to accept SNAP benefits at a farmers market in Minnesota. It will help you:

Apply for SNAP retailer status with the USDA.

Engage community partners in promoting this service.

Get expert and practical advice on accepting SNAP benefits.

Review the following content list to see more about what is included in this guide or access the complete guide below. You can also watch short videos on key topics.

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A first glance: SNAP benefits acceptance at farmers markets

A wider lens: It’s not just SNAP benefits acceptance that matters

The whole picture: A community-oriented approach for accepting SNAP benefits at farmers markets

SNAP benefits acceptance: The basics elaborated

Final thoughts: Stepping in for SNAP benefits acceptance

Frequently asked questions

Additional resources

Helpful documents and templates

Tips for selecting a merchant services provider

Considerations for design and use of tokens

Daily accounting sheet

Market token collection log

Vendor token collection log

Vendor agreement for accepting SNAP benefits

The following Supporting farmers markets in accepting SNAP benefitsvideos discuss key concepts covered in the guide.

FNS Number Video – In order to accept SNAP benefits at your farmers market, you must first select a fiscal host. This site must complete the required Food and Nutrition Service’s (FNS) SNAP retailer authorization to be able to accept SNAP. Learn about this application process here.

Vendors Video – Vendors are the backbone of the farmers market. Early on, it is important to include them in on the conversation. Have them sign a vendor agreement for accepting SNAP benefits at the farmers market.

Volunteers Video – Many times farmers markets don’t have the financial resources to hire staff to run the SNAP program. Learn how farmers markets rely on volunteers to run the SNAP program.

Tokens Video – Many farmers markets use tokens as a payment system for SNAP purchases at the market. Learn more about using tokens at your farmers market.

Marketing Video – You have selected your fiscal host and been approved by FNS to accept SNAP benefits at the farmers market. Now you need to get people to use their SNAP benefits at the farmers market. Learn how others market the SNAP program at their farmers markets.